What is a key characteristic of a dry powder inhaler?

A key characteristic of a dry powder inhaler (DPI) is that it is inhaled forcefully by the patient. DPIs require a strong and rapid inhalation to effectively disperse the medication into fine particles that can reach the lungs. The design of these inhalers facilitates this delivery method, as they rely on the patient's inhalation effort to activate the device and release the medication. This feature distinguishes DPIs from other inhaler types, such as metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), which use a propellant to deliver the medication.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary usage or characteristics of a DPI. For example, while some inhalers may be used for emergency treatments, DPIs are typically not designed for immediate rescue use, as they may take longer to act compared to rescue inhalers. Additionally, DPIs do not provide constant medication throughout the day; they are used on an as-needed or scheduled basis depending on the patient's treatment plan. Finally, while DPIs can be used by many age groups, certain young children or individuals with conditions affecting their ability to inhale forcefully may not be able to use them effectively, so there are age and capability considerations involved.